How to Find MIN IF or MAX IF in Excel

When you were first learning how to use Excel, you quickly discovered the basic Excel functions, like SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX, and AVERAGE. Now you’re ready for advanced calculations, like MIN IF or MAX IF.

Beyond the Basics with MIN IF

In this example, we want to see the MIN and MAX for a specific product. There is a SUMIF function and a COUNTIF function, but no MINIF or MAXIF.

So, we’ll have to create our own MINIF formula, using MIN and IF. I’ve selected a product in cell C11, and the formula will be built in cell D11.

To make it easy to select a product, I created a drop down list of product names, by using data validation.

MIN IF Formula

The formula starts with the MIN and IF functions, and their opening brackets:

=MIN(IF(

Next, we want to find the rows where the product name matches the product in C11:

Select C2:C8, where the product names are listed

Type an = sign

Click on cell C11

=MIN(IF(C2:C8=C11

Next, select D2:D8, where the quantities are listed. If the product name matches, we want to check the product quantity

=MIN(IF(C2:C8=C11,D2:D8

To finish the formula:

Type two closing brackets

Then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to array-enter the formula.

=MIN(IF(C2:C8=C11,D2:D8))

NOTE: If you plan to copy this formula down a column, use absolute references to the product and quantity ranges:=MIN(IF($C$2:$C$8=C11,$D$2:$D$8))

Array Entered Formula

If you select cell D11, and look at the formula in the Formula Bar, there are curly brackets at the start and end of the formula. Those were automatically added, because the formula was array-entered (Ctrl + Shift + Enter).

If you don’t see those curly brackets, you pressed Enter, instead of Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

To fix the formula:

Click in the formula bar (it doesn’t matter where you click within the formula)

Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Create a MAXIF Formula

To find the maximum quantity for a specific product, use MAX instead of MIN.